Cambridge Technology Partners Implements Autosales E-Commerce Site for American Honda Motor Co.
16 January 2001
Cambridge Technology Partners Implements Autosales E-Commerce Site for American Honda Motor Co.
Business/Technology EditorsCAMBRIDGE, MASS.--Jan. 16, 2001--
Honda and Cambridge Build Comprehensive Customer-Focused E-Businesses
American Honda Chooses Cambridge for 'Premier Partner Award'
Cambridge Technology Partners, Inc. (Cambridge), a global e-business services provider, today announced that it has built and launched a new customer site for America Honda Motors (Honda), which will serve car buyers and dealers in new and powerful ways. Additionally, Cambridge was presented with America Honda Motors' "Premier Partner Award," which recognizes excellence in quality, value and customer service.
Honda, which is the world's eighth largest automaker, has taken a comprehensive approach to serving its customers on the Internet. The new customer site builds on the existing capability and allows consumers to configure their own vehicle, price different configurations and complete quick quotes via email, provide leasing versus financing comparisons and obtain applications for pre-approval of online credit. The site also links to Honda's dealer network, allowing the company to compete more effectively using the Web.
"With Cambridge, we were able to execute on our `click and mortar' strategy. This allows us to digitize our customer interaction and support our existing dealership channel by electronically connecting our customers with our dealers, without losing the great personal relationships we've built with Honda owners," said Michael Keranen, Senior Manager, eBusiness Division at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "As customers become increasingly sophisticated, Honda is rising to meet and exceed their needs via the Internet and every other channel."
With the use of New Economy technologies, Honda is renewing its approach to customer acquisition and retention by combining its consumer and dealer Web channels for more comprehensive service. These e-initiatives are intended to provide Honda customers faster and more convenient service, to heighten sales and to help the company better understand its customers' wants and needs. Honda is also maximizing its Internet investment by creating customized Internet dealership certification and training programs and by working with dealers to ensure that they have a dedicated Internet sales staff. Unique measures like these will ensure that every facet of Honda and Acura is well equipped to utilize the Internet to better serve its customers.
"The comprehensive approach that Honda is taking to enhance and build its online business is imperative in its industry," said Cambridge Technology Partners' President and CEO Jack Messman. "With so many consumer businesses still struggling to achieve solid customer service online, Honda's customer-driven approach is raising the bar for its competitors."
Honda chose to work with Cambridge based on its previous customer-focused work with the company, its deep understanding of the automotive industry and e-automotive issues and its ability to quickly execute on projects, in order to bring the new Web-based systems to Honda's customers as fast as possible.
Honda Names Cambridge a "Premier Partner"
American Honda Motor Co. recently chose Cambridge to receive a "Premier Partner Award," which is presented to suppliers that embrace the Honda philosophy of exceeding customer expectations. Out of an eligible base of more than 1500 suppliers, 53 were nominated and rated by the supplier recognition committee based on the following criteria:
--Excellence in quality, cost and customer service as submitted in the nomination forms by AHM associates
--Multiple nominations from other departments and/or divisions
--Project complexity
--Years of service to AHM
About Cambridge Technology Partners
Cambridge Technology Partners provides strategic and management consulting as well as systems integration services to transform its clients into e-Businesses. Working in collaboration with Global 1000 and high-velocity middle market companies, Cambridge combines a deep understanding of New Economy issues with integrated, end-to-end services and a proven track record of shared risk and rapid, guaranteed delivery. Cambridge generated $628.1 million in revenue in 1999, with $243.3 million from its global e-Business solutions. Cambridge has approximately 4,000 employees and 50 offices worldwide. Cambridge is a Safeguard Scientifics partner company. Cambridge on the Web: http://www.ctp.com.
About American Honda Motor Co.
Honda is the world's preeminent engine-maker, building more than 10 million engines globally per year. Honda began operations in North America in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Using domestic and globally sourced parts, Honda began automobile manufacturing in the U.S. in 1982. Honda designs, manufactures and markets its products in North America and worldwide. Honda currently builds products in nine manufacturing plants in North America, with three major research and development centers in the U.S.